Bessie Bernhart

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Bessie I. (Farver) Bernhart, 97, peacefully passed away Sunday, February 27, 2005, after a wonderful life of good health and many years of independent living.
Bessie was born in Millersburg, Ohio on March 5, 1907. She graduated from Millersburg High School in 1925, where she met her sweetheart and lifetime companion, Raymond, fondly known as Barney. Bessie played on the women's basketball team and Barney played football. After graduation they married in October, 1926 and began their family. Barney's employment moved them to Tallmadge, Ohio. They soon moved to Cuyahoga Falls where Bessie was a longtime resident, and later to Chapel Hill Towers in Akron. One of her favorite hobbies was walking throughout Chapel Hill Mall until she was nearly ninety years of age.
During her life she shared many stories with her grandchildren about her employment at Goodyear Aerospace and Honadle Candy. She experienced proud moments as a member of the American War Mothers, Chapter No. 14, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, during World War II. She was an avid record keeper of information, including data on the Bernhart/Barnhart Family Reunion, which has been held annually for nearly one hundred years, and loved to be known as the oldest living member of the family. Bessie was especially known for her sharp memory. She enjoyed traveling around the country with her husband, Barney, and loved sharing their experiences from over three hundred twenty-three cities.
"Grandma B/Gigi" epitomized the meaning of family; she demonstrated an immense interest in every family member's life, whether it was her son's or her great-grandson's. Her two sons, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren always knew "Grandma B/Gigi" was there to listen.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Raymond, and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Bernhart. She is survived by sons, Donald E. Bernhart of Barberton, Ohio and Jack A. Bernhart (Susan) of Sun City, Arizona; granddaughters, Leslie Stiver, Karen Mudrick (Bob) and Jan Rossman (Richard); grandsons, Jack Bernhart (Mary) and Chris Bernhart (Cheryl); great-grandchildren, Shawn Stiver, Michael Bernhart, Sarah Moore (John), James Bernhart, Charles Bernhart and Steven Rossman; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Wharton, and many beloved family members in Millersburg and Holmes County, Ohio.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2005, at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 2, 2005 with Pastor Mike Bynum of Northampton Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Millersburg, Ohio at 12:30 p.m.
Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.